How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost in Australia?
January 1, 2025•Sarah Mitchell
If you’d told me a decade ago that I’d be writing about tattoo removal, I probably would've laughed. But here I am, in my early 30s, sharing my experience of parting ways with some of my ink.
If you’d told me a decade ago that I’d be writing about tattoo removal, I probably would've laughed. But here I am, in my early 30s, sharing my experience of parting ways with some of my ink. Don’t get me wrong, I still adore tattoos and the stories they tell. But as we evolve, sometimes our body art doesn't reflect who we’ve become. So, if you're curious about how much tattoo removal costs in Australia, especially in different cities and towns, stick around. I'll also delve into laser tattoo removal and eyebrow tattoo removal, sharing all the juicy details from my own journey.
Life is a tapestry of changes. That tattoo you got on a whim during a road trip up the Gold Coast might not hold the same charm years later. For me, it was a combination of shifting personal tastes and professional considerations. I decided it was time to let go of a few pieces, including an old eyebrow tattoo that had faded into an unflattering hue.
Laser tattoo removal is the most common method used today. It involves using high-intensity light beams to break up the pigment colors of the tattoo. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based on the pigment color.
The cost of laser tattoo removal in Australia varies depending on several factors:
- Size of the Tattoo
- Color and Depth of Ink
- Location on the Body
- Skin Type
- Number of Sessions Required
- Clinic Location and Expertise
1. Small Tattoos (2.5cm x 2.5cm):
- Price Per Session: Around $80 - $150
- Total Cost: Depending on the number of sessions (usually 6-10), it could range from $480 - $1,500
2. Medium Tattoos (up to 5cm x 5cm):
- Price Per Session: Approximately $150 - $300
- Total Cost: Could be between $900 - $3,000
3. Large Tattoos (larger than 5cm x 5cm):
- Price Per Session: Starts from $300 and can go upwards
- Total Cost: May reach $5,000 or more over multiple sessions
- Sydney and Melbourne:
- Higher living costs mean prices might be on the upper end.
- More clinics offer advanced technologies, which might be pricier but more effective.
- Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide:
- Slightly lower costs compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
- Still plenty of reputable clinics with competitive pricing.
- Regional Towns:
- Fewer clinics might mean less competition, potentially higher prices.
- Travel might be required if local options are limited.
Eyebrow tattoos, including microblading, have become hugely popular. However, trends change, or the ink might not settle as expected.
- Price Per Session: Around $100 - $200
- Sessions Required: Usually fewer sessions (2-5) due to the shallow depth of the ink.
- Considerations:
- The skin around the eyes is sensitive; ensure the clinic has experience with eyebrow removal.
- Protective measures should be in place to safeguard your eyes during the procedure.
I had a small wrist tattoo and an old eyebrow tattoo I wanted gone.
- Location: Melbourne
- Size: Small (about 3cm x 3cm)
- Cost Per Session: $120
- Total Sessions: 8
- Total Cost: $960
The process was more uncomfortable than painful—like being snapped with a rubber band repeatedly. Post-session care was straightforward, involving keeping the area clean and protected from the sun.
- Cost Per Session: $150
- Total Sessions: 3
- Total Cost: $450
I was nervous about this one, given the proximity to my eyes, but the technician was fantastic. They used shields to protect my eyes, and the procedure was quick. The area was a bit red and puffy afterward but settled down within a day.
1. Age of Tattoo: Older tattoos tend to fade more easily.
2. Ink Quality: Professional tattoos might use higher-quality ink that’s harder to break down.
3. Immune System Efficiency: A healthy immune system can process the fragmented ink particles more efficiently.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking can slow down the fading process.
Tattoo removal is an investment in yourself. For me, the confidence I regained was priceless. It's essential to weigh the cost against the emotional and psychological benefits you'll receive.
- Research: Look for clinics with good reviews and before-and-after photos.
- Consultations: Take advantage of free consultations to ask questions.
- Technology: Inquire about the type of lasers they use. Newer technologies can be more effective and less painful.
- Professionalism: Ensure the technicians are certified and experienced.
- Surgical Excision: Best for very small tattoos but will leave a scar.
- Dermabrasion: Involves sanding down the skin; less common due to the invasiveness.
- Tattoo Cover-Up: A new tattoo over the old one can be a creative solution.
Deciding to remove a tattoo is deeply personal. Whether it's an old flame's name or a design that no longer resonates, it's okay to change your mind. Understanding how much tattoo removal costs in Australia helps in planning and sets realistic expectations. You should also consider laser tattoo removal aftercare because sitting in the clinic to receive the laser treatment is only the first part of the challenge.
If you're considering laser tattoo removal or eyebrow tattoo removal, I hope my story provides some clarity. Feel free to drop any questions or share your experiences below. We're all on this journey together!
Stay fabulous!
Why Consider Tattoo Removal?
Life is a tapestry of changes. That tattoo you got on a whim during a road trip up the Gold Coast might not hold the same charm years later. For me, it was a combination of shifting personal tastes and professional considerations. I decided it was time to let go of a few pieces, including an old eyebrow tattoo that had faded into an unflattering hue.
Understanding Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is the most common method used today. It involves using high-intensity light beams to break up the pigment colors of the tattoo. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based on the pigment color.
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost in Australia?
The cost of laser tattoo removal in Australia varies depending on several factors:
- Size of the Tattoo
- Color and Depth of Ink
- Location on the Body
- Skin Type
- Number of Sessions Required
- Clinic Location and Expertise
General Price Estimates:
1. Small Tattoos (2.5cm x 2.5cm):
- Price Per Session: Around $80 - $150
- Total Cost: Depending on the number of sessions (usually 6-10), it could range from $480 - $1,500
2. Medium Tattoos (up to 5cm x 5cm):
- Price Per Session: Approximately $150 - $300
- Total Cost: Could be between $900 - $3,000
3. Large Tattoos (larger than 5cm x 5cm):
- Price Per Session: Starts from $300 and can go upwards
- Total Cost: May reach $5,000 or more over multiple sessions
City-Specific Insights:
- Sydney and Melbourne:
- Higher living costs mean prices might be on the upper end.
- More clinics offer advanced technologies, which might be pricier but more effective.
- Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide:
- Slightly lower costs compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
- Still plenty of reputable clinics with competitive pricing.
- Regional Towns:
- Fewer clinics might mean less competition, potentially higher prices.
- Travel might be required if local options are limited.
Eyebrow Tattoo Removal
Eyebrow tattoos, including microblading, have become hugely popular. However, trends change, or the ink might not settle as expected.
- Price Per Session: Around $100 - $200
- Sessions Required: Usually fewer sessions (2-5) due to the shallow depth of the ink.
- Considerations:
- The skin around the eyes is sensitive; ensure the clinic has experience with eyebrow removal.
- Protective measures should be in place to safeguard your eyes during the procedure.
My Personal Experience
I had a small wrist tattoo and an old eyebrow tattoo I wanted gone.
Wrist Tattoo Removal:
- Location: Melbourne
- Size: Small (about 3cm x 3cm)
- Cost Per Session: $120
- Total Sessions: 8
- Total Cost: $960
The process was more uncomfortable than painful—like being snapped with a rubber band repeatedly. Post-session care was straightforward, involving keeping the area clean and protected from the sun.
Eyebrow Tattoo Removal:
- Cost Per Session: $150
- Total Sessions: 3
- Total Cost: $450
I was nervous about this one, given the proximity to my eyes, but the technician was fantastic. They used shields to protect my eyes, and the procedure was quick. The area was a bit red and puffy afterward but settled down within a day.
Factors That Affect the Number of Sessions
1. Age of Tattoo: Older tattoos tend to fade more easily.
2. Ink Quality: Professional tattoos might use higher-quality ink that’s harder to break down.
3. Immune System Efficiency: A healthy immune system can process the fragmented ink particles more efficiently.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking can slow down the fading process.
Is It Worth The Cost?
Tattoo removal is an investment in yourself. For me, the confidence I regained was priceless. It's essential to weigh the cost against the emotional and psychological benefits you'll receive.
Tips for Choosing a Clinic
- Research: Look for clinics with good reviews and before-and-after photos.
- Consultations: Take advantage of free consultations to ask questions.
- Technology: Inquire about the type of lasers they use. Newer technologies can be more effective and less painful.
- Professionalism: Ensure the technicians are certified and experienced.
Alternatives to Laser Tattoo Removal
- Surgical Excision: Best for very small tattoos but will leave a scar.
- Dermabrasion: Involves sanding down the skin; less common due to the invasiveness.
- Tattoo Cover-Up: A new tattoo over the old one can be a creative solution.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to remove a tattoo is deeply personal. Whether it's an old flame's name or a design that no longer resonates, it's okay to change your mind. Understanding how much tattoo removal costs in Australia helps in planning and sets realistic expectations. You should also consider laser tattoo removal aftercare because sitting in the clinic to receive the laser treatment is only the first part of the challenge.
If you're considering laser tattoo removal or eyebrow tattoo removal, I hope my story provides some clarity. Feel free to drop any questions or share your experiences below. We're all on this journey together!
Stay fabulous!